The Northern Illinois Huskies (9-6, 2-0 MAC) welcome the Akron Zips (9-6, 1-1 MAC) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against stifling defense. The game starts at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Akron Zips vs. Northern Illinois Huskies Free Prediction
In the Zips’ last outing, they were topped by the Central Michigan Chippewas, 88-86. Central Michigan’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Akron. The Chippewas had a rate of 0.162 (below their season average of 0.317), while the Zips posted a mark of 0.133 (below their season average of 0.227). Jimond Ivey was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 9-for-16 shooting.
The Huskies beat the Miami (OH) RedHawks in their last contest, 83-70. Northern Illinois’ 0.663 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Miami (OH), who had a rate of 0.510. The Huskies’ mark was above their season average of 0.560. Dante Thorpe was the game’s high scorer with 24 points on 10-for-15 shooting from the field.
This battle pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses as Northern Illinois currently ranks 34th in offensive efficiency and Akron is 32nd in defensive efficiency.
Ivey has averaged 14 points,3.2 assists,1.2 steals over the last five games for Akron.
After the Zips won the lone game against the Huskies last season, 82-67, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. Akron was lights out from beyond the arc (15-31; 48.4 percent). Northern Illinois, on the other hand, did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (25-33; 75.8 percent).
Akron Zips vs. Northern Illinois Huskies Odds Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Northern Illinois, ATS Winner – Akron, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Akron ranks sixth in three pointers attempted per game (29.9) while Northern Illinois ranks 218th (19.5).
The Zips rank seventh in assists allowed per game (9.5) while the Huskies rank 199th (15.1).
Northern Illinois ranks 27th in rebounds allowed per game (31.2) while Akron ranks 123rd (34.9).
The Zips allow the 13th-fewest steals per game (4.8) while the Huskies rank 32nd (5.3).
Akron allows the 30th-fewest blocks per game (2.5) while Northern Illinois ranks 46th (2.7).
Bettings Trends:
The Zips’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.8, down from 12.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 75.4 points per game (4.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.6 points per game (3.1 below their season average).
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